The first answer is whatever works. Whatever is effective is good self defense. Whatever gives you the greatest chance of survival is good self defense. That being said, there are a few factors that need to be considered.
Think of the worst possible scenario. Chances are you will be attacked when your assailant feels he has a distinct advantage. That means you must assume he will be larger, determined, armed and has friends. Anything you do must account for these real possibilities. Until you are proven other wise, chances are you won’t know for ure until it’s too late.
Next, you need to consider your environment. Asphalt, ice, snow, jungle, beach, the woods or your living room, each situation presents a unique set of circumstances. You need to react in a way that takes all of this into consideration. Simple foot work done in the correct manner will account for every possible scenario.
Then you have to consider yourself. Chances are you will appear to be a good mark. This means you’re older, smaller, injured or otherwise distracted. Remember Murphy’s law- what can go wrong will go wrong. You also have to consider what happens to your body when you are placed under hormone induced stress or fear. You get tunnel vision; you loose control of your fine motor skills. You experience auditory exclusion and as your hear rate increases your ability to perform even the most simple techniques.
Instinctive and Convulsive
Time is of the essence, you need to cause as much damage to your target and as little damage to yourself. If you’re using protective gear in your training, this will cause a problem (unless you are constantly wearing hand wraps). Techniques that take a lot of time just don’t cut it. Methods that cause you to wait just don’t cut it. You have to inflict as much damage as fast as possible. Lead with speed, follow with power and take bits and pieces away from your assailant as you cause more damage and injury. The techniques you use should allow to hit anywhere on your targets body and cause little or no damage to you. You must react in a way that allows you to keep your assailant off balance and build momentum until he’s no longer a threat.
Do Your Worst, Fast and First
According to close combat legend W.E. Fairbairn, you need attack with “vehemence and artifice”. This simply means be as nasty and as sneaky as possible. Don’t wait to escalate- just dominate. The quicker you can cause damage, the faster you can inflict even greater damage. Just don’t wait. There is no room for second chances. Self defense is self preservation.
Plan for the Worst and Hope for the Best
When you train, it’s for your worst nightmare. The guy who just got out of prison or the junkie who doesn’t care what belt you have. Criminals just want what you have, plain and simple. You have to plan for the absolute worst case scenario. Also, you should have a little nasty surprise for your would be attacker. Empty hand techniques are nice but WEAPONS AND TECHNOLOGY beat empty hands time and time again. If empty hand techniques were all they were cracked up to be, there would be no need for firearms, knives or close quarter weapons. It’s better to have it and not use it than need it and not have it. Even old school martial artists always had an “ace up their sleeve” so to speak. The point is, empty hand is a strategic last resort. At its best, empty hand self defense is designed to allow you to fight with a weapon or at least create an opportunity to secure one. Because at the end of the day, it’s not a matter of who’s right, just who’s left.
Martial Arts, Self Defense and Renton Washington Self Defense, Renton Washington Martial Arts
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
My Sensei, Carl Cestari Shinan
Its 1:00 in the morning and all I can think about is the fact that he’s gone. There are no words to describe the void in my life. Even though I knew this day would come, I still can’t believe it. After a decade of battling his body, he finally succumbed. The best I can do is offer you some insight into the person I knew as Sensei; Godfather to my daughter, mentor to me and my wife, counsel and confidant.
From the first day I met him, I knew he was head and shoulders above anyone I’ve ever met before. First, it was all about the training. The techniques and the methods he demonstrated hit home and just made plain sense. From that moment forward I knew I was going to be forever attached to him.
We didn’t have a dojo, per se. We worked out at my brothers Karate school, the basement of a church in Paramus, his basement or any other studio where we could get some space and sometimes a mat (though we didn’t always use one!) Over time, the techniques and the training never disappointed, but it was only after several years that I discovered his real genius and it had nothing to do with the martial arts at all.
He always had the right answer- no matter what the situation. His solution was always well thought out and he always considered two things: the other person’s perspective and what the overall result should be. And not the immediate result, but the “big picture” result that would be the most beneficial to everyone involved. According to my wife, he was the only one I would listen too.
When we, Shinan Carl Cestari, Sensei Sporman and myself, decided to put together a system of training
adults, we never want to develop a “style”. It was just the absolute best way we felt that adults should study to get the overall benefit of real hand to hand and a true martial art experience. Personally, I wanted to embody Carl’s life in the martial arts and self defense, a system that represented his experience.
After we drew on 75 plus years experience and put down the skill sets we felt would best get the result we desired, we realized we had something more, much more- that’s when “Tekkenryu jujutsu” was born. We knew that this system, combined with regular Judo practice, would make and unstoppable hand to hand system. Where Tekkenryu is anything goes, “street mixed martial arts” delivered in a systematic progression, Judo instills a sense of urgency, fighting with another person in a dynamic situation, staying on
your feet, getting a dominant position and developing awesome strength and balance. We knew we were onto something. Tekkenryu means “Iron Fist Style” in Japanese. We got its name from Shinan’s hands- if you ever felt his reverse punch, you would know what I mean. His punch felt like you were getting hit with a 6-pound sledgehammer. To think that amount of force could come from a human being was incredible. I remember holding the impact pad for him in the early 90’s and I could feel my kidneys reverberate from the shock of the strike. What sealed the name selection was that it was rumored that Shinan’s distant relatives in Italy belonged to a group known as “The Iron First Clan”. Now whether it was true or not, it didn’t
matter, it was just too cool.
The end result of those months and months of writing and research and sitting at my dining room table is a system that best represented Shinan’s martial arts experience; from his early years in Judo and Shitoryu karate under Yonezuka Sensei to his later years in Daitoryu jujutsu and training with Charlie Nelson.
Between his life in the military and law enforcement and all his personal triumphs and set backs,
Tekkenryu is a culmination of his study of Martial Arts.
It is extremely rare that someone with his intelligence and experience has been in a position to create something like Tekkenryu jujutsu. And the people who know the full story, the ones that have been there and understand the full scope of his experience, know this to be true. Shinan Cestari’s combination of the real world and the dojo is unprecedented in today’s modern age.
The one thing you should know about Shinan is that he always sought the truth, through martial arts, life and religion. He always looked to find the real meaning of things- and this is what the driving force behind his life.
This is the driving force behind Tekkenryu. Find the truth in your training and you will find the real you.
Now, we have a job to do; a legacy to build on the truth. Over the next 5 to 10 years as we continue to build something that’s bigger than all of us, like Judo and Tae kwon do before, Tekkenryu jujutsu will be the only alternative for people seeking the truth about martial arts and self defense. This is the best I can do for
a man who gave me so much without ever asking for anything in return. This is my “iri” or “obligation”.
I will always miss my sensei, but he’s not far. I am with him in every fit in, every push up and every time I strike the makiwara. He is with me every time I train. I can only hope he is someplace free from the body that failed him, locked in a discussion with Kano or randori with Kimura and catching up with some old
friends and family.
There are a lot of words to describe you, sensei, shinan, friend, mentor, uncle, brother-in law,
father figure, Godfather and husband. But the word the word that describes you best is Samurai, in every sense of its meaning. I love you sensei, via con dios.
From the first day I met him, I knew he was head and shoulders above anyone I’ve ever met before. First, it was all about the training. The techniques and the methods he demonstrated hit home and just made plain sense. From that moment forward I knew I was going to be forever attached to him.
We didn’t have a dojo, per se. We worked out at my brothers Karate school, the basement of a church in Paramus, his basement or any other studio where we could get some space and sometimes a mat (though we didn’t always use one!) Over time, the techniques and the training never disappointed, but it was only after several years that I discovered his real genius and it had nothing to do with the martial arts at all.
He always had the right answer- no matter what the situation. His solution was always well thought out and he always considered two things: the other person’s perspective and what the overall result should be. And not the immediate result, but the “big picture” result that would be the most beneficial to everyone involved. According to my wife, he was the only one I would listen too.
When we, Shinan Carl Cestari, Sensei Sporman and myself, decided to put together a system of training
adults, we never want to develop a “style”. It was just the absolute best way we felt that adults should study to get the overall benefit of real hand to hand and a true martial art experience. Personally, I wanted to embody Carl’s life in the martial arts and self defense, a system that represented his experience.
After we drew on 75 plus years experience and put down the skill sets we felt would best get the result we desired, we realized we had something more, much more- that’s when “Tekkenryu jujutsu” was born. We knew that this system, combined with regular Judo practice, would make and unstoppable hand to hand system. Where Tekkenryu is anything goes, “street mixed martial arts” delivered in a systematic progression, Judo instills a sense of urgency, fighting with another person in a dynamic situation, staying on
your feet, getting a dominant position and developing awesome strength and balance. We knew we were onto something. Tekkenryu means “Iron Fist Style” in Japanese. We got its name from Shinan’s hands- if you ever felt his reverse punch, you would know what I mean. His punch felt like you were getting hit with a 6-pound sledgehammer. To think that amount of force could come from a human being was incredible. I remember holding the impact pad for him in the early 90’s and I could feel my kidneys reverberate from the shock of the strike. What sealed the name selection was that it was rumored that Shinan’s distant relatives in Italy belonged to a group known as “The Iron First Clan”. Now whether it was true or not, it didn’t
matter, it was just too cool.
The end result of those months and months of writing and research and sitting at my dining room table is a system that best represented Shinan’s martial arts experience; from his early years in Judo and Shitoryu karate under Yonezuka Sensei to his later years in Daitoryu jujutsu and training with Charlie Nelson.
Between his life in the military and law enforcement and all his personal triumphs and set backs,
Tekkenryu is a culmination of his study of Martial Arts.
It is extremely rare that someone with his intelligence and experience has been in a position to create something like Tekkenryu jujutsu. And the people who know the full story, the ones that have been there and understand the full scope of his experience, know this to be true. Shinan Cestari’s combination of the real world and the dojo is unprecedented in today’s modern age.
The one thing you should know about Shinan is that he always sought the truth, through martial arts, life and religion. He always looked to find the real meaning of things- and this is what the driving force behind his life.
This is the driving force behind Tekkenryu. Find the truth in your training and you will find the real you.
Now, we have a job to do; a legacy to build on the truth. Over the next 5 to 10 years as we continue to build something that’s bigger than all of us, like Judo and Tae kwon do before, Tekkenryu jujutsu will be the only alternative for people seeking the truth about martial arts and self defense. This is the best I can do for
a man who gave me so much without ever asking for anything in return. This is my “iri” or “obligation”.
I will always miss my sensei, but he’s not far. I am with him in every fit in, every push up and every time I strike the makiwara. He is with me every time I train. I can only hope he is someplace free from the body that failed him, locked in a discussion with Kano or randori with Kimura and catching up with some old
friends and family.
There are a lot of words to describe you, sensei, shinan, friend, mentor, uncle, brother-in law,
father figure, Godfather and husband. But the word the word that describes you best is Samurai, in every sense of its meaning. I love you sensei, via con dios.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Children and the Martial Arts: The Art of Trying New Things
My 5 year old daughter hates soccer. I’ve never seen her so completely stressed over anything like this before. She was apprehensive and fought us a little with swimming, but eventually got the hand of it. Even with Judo she didn’t feel like going sometimes. But once she got there, she was fine. Now, it’s her thing. So my wife and I thought she would be OK with soccer after a while. That’s what we thought.
This was different. She would start agonizing over soccer on the Sunday before the Wednesday practice. An hour of games, a lot of sunshine and time with her friends how horrible can it be! You would think that she was heading off to war every time she put on her little cleats and shin guards.
Well, like every parent, I want her to learn about new things. Growing up I played four sports, studied martial arts and even attempted music (no such luck there). I half expected her to take to soccer like a duck to water and get in there and do her best Mia Hamm impression. Well, that didn’t happen, but then again, she is only 5.
But, we were determined, like before, a little crying and whining NEVER got her anyplace, so what did Dad and Mom do…we practiced with her. In fact, she even asked us to practice. And we did, almost everyday until the next practice.
Did it work? Kind of, she still stressed but managed to get through. However, it was a vast improvement over the last practice which consisted of crying and running off the field (Not me, my daughter).
But don’t phone in our parent of the year nomination just yet…
Yesterday my wife received a call from our daughter’s teacher saying that our child was completely stressing and upset at the prospect of having soccer practice after school. It was like all the anxiety form the week before had built up and unleashed its fury this week.
So what did concerned parents who want to instill a good work ethic and moral fiber do?
Well, considering she is only 5. In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter? No, not a bit. This doesn’t even come on the radar screen. But we did have her watch practice, which she did happily.
That’s why we have the one month intro program; because “I feel your pain.” I know what it’s like to see a child twist themselves up over nothing. But I also know how important it is to see your child find something they enjoy. The relief on a parents face (mine included) when they come to the dojo. The pleasure I feel when a mom says, “Judo is the only thing my kids like coming to.”
Well for now, soccer is going to have to wait. We’ll try dance, gymnastics, singing, music and whatever else, and if she finds something she enjoys half as much as Judo I will be happy for her.
Martial Arts, Self Defense and Children's Martial Arts
This was different. She would start agonizing over soccer on the Sunday before the Wednesday practice. An hour of games, a lot of sunshine and time with her friends how horrible can it be! You would think that she was heading off to war every time she put on her little cleats and shin guards.
Well, like every parent, I want her to learn about new things. Growing up I played four sports, studied martial arts and even attempted music (no such luck there). I half expected her to take to soccer like a duck to water and get in there and do her best Mia Hamm impression. Well, that didn’t happen, but then again, she is only 5.
But, we were determined, like before, a little crying and whining NEVER got her anyplace, so what did Dad and Mom do…we practiced with her. In fact, she even asked us to practice. And we did, almost everyday until the next practice.
Did it work? Kind of, she still stressed but managed to get through. However, it was a vast improvement over the last practice which consisted of crying and running off the field (Not me, my daughter).
But don’t phone in our parent of the year nomination just yet…
Yesterday my wife received a call from our daughter’s teacher saying that our child was completely stressing and upset at the prospect of having soccer practice after school. It was like all the anxiety form the week before had built up and unleashed its fury this week.
So what did concerned parents who want to instill a good work ethic and moral fiber do?
Well, considering she is only 5. In the grand scheme of things, does it really matter? No, not a bit. This doesn’t even come on the radar screen. But we did have her watch practice, which she did happily.
That’s why we have the one month intro program; because “I feel your pain.” I know what it’s like to see a child twist themselves up over nothing. But I also know how important it is to see your child find something they enjoy. The relief on a parents face (mine included) when they come to the dojo. The pleasure I feel when a mom says, “Judo is the only thing my kids like coming to.”
Well for now, soccer is going to have to wait. We’ll try dance, gymnastics, singing, music and whatever else, and if she finds something she enjoys half as much as Judo I will be happy for her.
Martial Arts, Self Defense and Children's Martial Arts
Sunday, January 6, 2008
I’m getting too old for this…Are you too old to study martial arts?
Who hasn’t said this at one time or another? On vacation last week I overheard a friend saying just those words as she talked about her failed attempt at “skim boarding”. Thinking that the fact that she was pushing 40 had everything to do with why she wound up in a pile of limbs and sand after a brief but agonizing moment on top of her son’s board.
Listening to her I heard the echoes of dojo and the same lament from a lot of you. Sure your body wears out and reflexes slow, but it’s not nearly as bad as you think.
Think back to my friend, what did she expect, the most “athletic” activities she has done in the past 22 years are jog and play bacci ball. Though these are noble endeavors, they are a far cry from skimming along the surface on a piece of wood.
How much of a chance did she give herself? I mean, really.
When you are young, everything is new. You are used to learning new skills and being challenged ALL of the time. You have too. As an animal, your very survival depends on your ability to adapt and think. When you are young, you can’t be afraid to try new things because EVERYTHING in new!
Now as you age, you become more sedentary. Being good at kickball is not as important to you when your 30 as it is when your 10, unless you’re me of course.
The problem is:
1. We expect too much from ourselves
2. You don’t give yourself a chance to learn
The solution is:
1. Set the bar a little lower
2. Be patient with yourself
We all want to be perfect, we all want to succeed. But no one can be and no one ever is. All you have to do is be a little better than the last time. And before you know it, you’ll be waking up those nerve endings and reflexes again.
Worry about the little victories, making it through warm ups, trying to do perfect push ups; just take care of the little details and the big details will take care of themselves.
Martial Arts and Self Defense
Listening to her I heard the echoes of dojo and the same lament from a lot of you. Sure your body wears out and reflexes slow, but it’s not nearly as bad as you think.
Think back to my friend, what did she expect, the most “athletic” activities she has done in the past 22 years are jog and play bacci ball. Though these are noble endeavors, they are a far cry from skimming along the surface on a piece of wood.
How much of a chance did she give herself? I mean, really.
When you are young, everything is new. You are used to learning new skills and being challenged ALL of the time. You have too. As an animal, your very survival depends on your ability to adapt and think. When you are young, you can’t be afraid to try new things because EVERYTHING in new!
Now as you age, you become more sedentary. Being good at kickball is not as important to you when your 30 as it is when your 10, unless you’re me of course.
The problem is:
1. We expect too much from ourselves
2. You don’t give yourself a chance to learn
The solution is:
1. Set the bar a little lower
2. Be patient with yourself
We all want to be perfect, we all want to succeed. But no one can be and no one ever is. All you have to do is be a little better than the last time. And before you know it, you’ll be waking up those nerve endings and reflexes again.
Worry about the little victories, making it through warm ups, trying to do perfect push ups; just take care of the little details and the big details will take care of themselves.
Martial Arts and Self Defense
Friday, December 21, 2007
Martial Arts and Real Life: Learning From The Agony of Defeat
Success at home, work or on the mat is what drives all of us. Sooner or later, you’re going to want something more. It’s in our very nature to succeed. It is a primary survival instinct. The benefits of success are obvious. Sense of accomplishment, self worth and self-actualization are a few. Other, less obvious by-products are confidence and attitude.
While these feelings help to drive us and are our eventual goals and reasons to be successful, they do little in helping us become successful. They are psychological effects of accomplishment. The real technical growth, the real “nuts and bolts” lay in every setback and every failure.
Vince Lombardi said, “Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser” why correct in it’s spirit. There is far more to be gained from our losses than our triumphs. Every loss is a tool for improvement. Because it’s only when you fail, that you look inside yourself to determine what went wrong and how to correct it. With each failure you are forced to rally your courage and rise to the occasion.
After you win, you concentrate on the achievement of your goal rather than the mistakes you made. Your very nature allows you to enjoy the accomplishment and gain confidence and attitude. Which are extremely powerful tools, because BELIEVEING you can be successful is a lot more powerful than THINKNG you can be successful. But these don’t help you improve technically or spiritually.
Every loss, every injury, every defeat is an opportunity for growth. It’s easy to have fun when everything goes smoothly, but when does that ever happen? We think everyone has it easier than we do. This is obviously not the case. EVERYONE has the same issues that you do. It’s all relative to everyone: a hangnail seems like a big deal to someone who has never broken a finger. The difference is, some people deal with them and move forward, others rationalize their decision and go home.
Dealing with a setback forces you to be honest and critical with yourself. This isn’t an easy thing to do. But once you’ve abandoned the excuses and stopped pointing the finger, only then will you really grow and improve.
All natural ability aside, what separates the good from the not so good and the God-awful, is the ability to take a real long and hard look in the mirror and take stock. You will always hear excuses, we all have them. If you chose to stop at the excuse, you will remain there.; technically, mentally and physically. You will be forced to repeat the same failure over and over again. It’s a cycle of habit. Because if it’s not this, it will be something else and you will spend the rest of your life wondering “why they get all the brakes” or “why are they so lucky”. Remember, “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. This habit of quitting when things get difficult is one you don’t want to develop.
Every career, every life, is replete with failure and setbacks. It’s up to you to work through them and force yourself to develop the habit of getting up again and again and again.
Everything that happens in the Dojo is symbolic of life. That’s way Dojo literally means “WAY PLACE”. It’s the place to study THE WAY. Simply put, the way of everything, the way of life. When you miss a technique or have difficulty learning a skill, you train to improve and become competent at that skill. When you are injured you train yourself to work with your injury.
What’s the difference between an injured shoulder, a bad back or a broken hand than someone who is short, slow and slight of build? Should those people not even try? Maybe we should tell everyone under 5’5” and 120 pounds, “Don’t Bother”.
Last week we concluded a five-week training course with a group of people with a wide variety of disabilities from slight learning problems to severe physical issues. All of these people, everyday learned to adapt and over come themselves and their environment. They developed the skill of overcoming obstacles. They came to the same conclusion that this is my life and like the man says, “Get busy living or get busy dying”. This is the real reason you study bushido.
Skills are habits, habits, and both good and bad are learned behaviors. On the mat you learn how to overcome set backs and adversity. Listen, you will never be 100%. You will never be perfect. There will always be something wrong. It’s how you handle your setbacks and obstacles that make you who you are. Martial arts are about overcoming adversity. It allows you to practice these habits in a “controlled” environment. It teaches you to develop these habits. These habits are imprinted on you and become a part of your behavior. These behaviors are what make the difference between a life lived and living a life.
The more and more I study; the more I realize what a genius Kano was. He developed Judo to articulate the real benefits of bushido. He developed a way to train life’s most important skills: appreciation and respect of one another, efficiency or best use of resources, and purpose.
Enjoy your setbacks, learn from them, because after you accomplish your goal, they are what you will remember and they will matter most.
Martial Art and Self Defense
While these feelings help to drive us and are our eventual goals and reasons to be successful, they do little in helping us become successful. They are psychological effects of accomplishment. The real technical growth, the real “nuts and bolts” lay in every setback and every failure.
Vince Lombardi said, “Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser” why correct in it’s spirit. There is far more to be gained from our losses than our triumphs. Every loss is a tool for improvement. Because it’s only when you fail, that you look inside yourself to determine what went wrong and how to correct it. With each failure you are forced to rally your courage and rise to the occasion.
After you win, you concentrate on the achievement of your goal rather than the mistakes you made. Your very nature allows you to enjoy the accomplishment and gain confidence and attitude. Which are extremely powerful tools, because BELIEVEING you can be successful is a lot more powerful than THINKNG you can be successful. But these don’t help you improve technically or spiritually.
Every loss, every injury, every defeat is an opportunity for growth. It’s easy to have fun when everything goes smoothly, but when does that ever happen? We think everyone has it easier than we do. This is obviously not the case. EVERYONE has the same issues that you do. It’s all relative to everyone: a hangnail seems like a big deal to someone who has never broken a finger. The difference is, some people deal with them and move forward, others rationalize their decision and go home.
Dealing with a setback forces you to be honest and critical with yourself. This isn’t an easy thing to do. But once you’ve abandoned the excuses and stopped pointing the finger, only then will you really grow and improve.
All natural ability aside, what separates the good from the not so good and the God-awful, is the ability to take a real long and hard look in the mirror and take stock. You will always hear excuses, we all have them. If you chose to stop at the excuse, you will remain there.; technically, mentally and physically. You will be forced to repeat the same failure over and over again. It’s a cycle of habit. Because if it’s not this, it will be something else and you will spend the rest of your life wondering “why they get all the brakes” or “why are they so lucky”. Remember, “Those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. This habit of quitting when things get difficult is one you don’t want to develop.
Every career, every life, is replete with failure and setbacks. It’s up to you to work through them and force yourself to develop the habit of getting up again and again and again.
Everything that happens in the Dojo is symbolic of life. That’s way Dojo literally means “WAY PLACE”. It’s the place to study THE WAY. Simply put, the way of everything, the way of life. When you miss a technique or have difficulty learning a skill, you train to improve and become competent at that skill. When you are injured you train yourself to work with your injury.
What’s the difference between an injured shoulder, a bad back or a broken hand than someone who is short, slow and slight of build? Should those people not even try? Maybe we should tell everyone under 5’5” and 120 pounds, “Don’t Bother”.
Last week we concluded a five-week training course with a group of people with a wide variety of disabilities from slight learning problems to severe physical issues. All of these people, everyday learned to adapt and over come themselves and their environment. They developed the skill of overcoming obstacles. They came to the same conclusion that this is my life and like the man says, “Get busy living or get busy dying”. This is the real reason you study bushido.
Skills are habits, habits, and both good and bad are learned behaviors. On the mat you learn how to overcome set backs and adversity. Listen, you will never be 100%. You will never be perfect. There will always be something wrong. It’s how you handle your setbacks and obstacles that make you who you are. Martial arts are about overcoming adversity. It allows you to practice these habits in a “controlled” environment. It teaches you to develop these habits. These habits are imprinted on you and become a part of your behavior. These behaviors are what make the difference between a life lived and living a life.
The more and more I study; the more I realize what a genius Kano was. He developed Judo to articulate the real benefits of bushido. He developed a way to train life’s most important skills: appreciation and respect of one another, efficiency or best use of resources, and purpose.
Enjoy your setbacks, learn from them, because after you accomplish your goal, they are what you will remember and they will matter most.
Martial Art and Self Defense
Sunday, December 16, 2007
“How To Increase Your Chances of Survival By 300 % in 10 hours Or Less
with The Self Defense Company’s 10 Lesson Self Defense© Course”
Predators, criminals, will strike when you least expect it. Like any animal, they will take advantage and exploit your weakness. You see examples of this every day thousands of people like you are the victim of a violent crime that will leave your loved ones angry and frustrated. And if you’re lucky enough to survive the assault, you will do what you can to pick up the pieces and move on.
You may live in a nice house, work in a nice area and maybe stay in a nice hotel. But all it takes is one wrong turn, or one meeting to go late and you’re in for the fight of your life.
For years I have been instructing people like you, battlefield proven techniques and strategies, that weren’t dreamt up in a studio, or conjured up in a dojo. They come from over 70 years of hard learned life or death lessons from people in civilian, law enforcement, military and criminal life styles and occupations.
You may know me as Damian Ross, founder of the ZenShin Dojo in Pompton Lakes NJ (www.zenshin.info) and international competitor and coach, but I am also the president of The Self Defense Company (www.theselfdefenseco.com) and developer of the Professional Instructor Program. This organization was founded to teach people around the world the truth about self defense and martial arts, to help them protect themselves better and to put realism back into the martial arts. To do this, we created the 10 lesson self defense course. This course will take ANYONE regardless of age, experience, size and physical ability and teach them how to become a tough target in 10 hours of less.
How successful is The 10 lesson Self Defense Course taught by our accredited, Professional Instructors? Extremely! Every day we receive dozens of inquiries as to how to learn this method of self preservation and right now there are people all over the world who are becoming more confident, more self reliant through the 10 Lesson Self Defense Course. So much in fact, it is becoming the fastest growing self defense course in the world. Every month we are reaching new people and empowering those with the street smarts and the skills to come home safely. No secrets, no magic, no instant ninja - just what has been proven to work time and time again
How Can You Get More Information About Training In The Revolutionary 10 Lesson Self Defense Course Today?
Just go to http://www.theselfdefenseco.com/instructor_listing.asp to find and instructor in your area.
We know everybody can’t dedicate the time to a full martial arts program but every one does have the time and responsibility to learn how to identify hazardous and situations and escape from danger (and you don’t need a Black Belt to do this).
In the 10 Lesson Self Defense Course you won’t learn a handful of techniques like most seminars and courses teach you and send you on your way only to be forgotten over the next few days. The 10 Lesson Self Defense Course will teach you a systemized protocol beginning with non-lethal technologies like pepper spray and personal alarms and ending with combat proven World War II and Battlefield Jujutsu hand to hand techniques designed to give you maximum fire power, keep you mobile and aware and create avenues of escape a violent, determined assailant. The course is taught in a semi private format (10 students at a time). This will guarantee that you will get proper hands on training and attention that will make the most out of your training.
For more information just go to http://www.theselfdefenseco.com/instructor_listing.asp and request your free information kit.
More Martial Arts and Self Defense Articles
Predators, criminals, will strike when you least expect it. Like any animal, they will take advantage and exploit your weakness. You see examples of this every day thousands of people like you are the victim of a violent crime that will leave your loved ones angry and frustrated. And if you’re lucky enough to survive the assault, you will do what you can to pick up the pieces and move on.
You may live in a nice house, work in a nice area and maybe stay in a nice hotel. But all it takes is one wrong turn, or one meeting to go late and you’re in for the fight of your life.
For years I have been instructing people like you, battlefield proven techniques and strategies, that weren’t dreamt up in a studio, or conjured up in a dojo. They come from over 70 years of hard learned life or death lessons from people in civilian, law enforcement, military and criminal life styles and occupations.
You may know me as Damian Ross, founder of the ZenShin Dojo in Pompton Lakes NJ (www.zenshin.info) and international competitor and coach, but I am also the president of The Self Defense Company (www.theselfdefenseco.com) and developer of the Professional Instructor Program. This organization was founded to teach people around the world the truth about self defense and martial arts, to help them protect themselves better and to put realism back into the martial arts. To do this, we created the 10 lesson self defense course. This course will take ANYONE regardless of age, experience, size and physical ability and teach them how to become a tough target in 10 hours of less.
How successful is The 10 lesson Self Defense Course taught by our accredited, Professional Instructors? Extremely! Every day we receive dozens of inquiries as to how to learn this method of self preservation and right now there are people all over the world who are becoming more confident, more self reliant through the 10 Lesson Self Defense Course. So much in fact, it is becoming the fastest growing self defense course in the world. Every month we are reaching new people and empowering those with the street smarts and the skills to come home safely. No secrets, no magic, no instant ninja - just what has been proven to work time and time again
How Can You Get More Information About Training In The Revolutionary 10 Lesson Self Defense Course Today?
Just go to http://www.theselfdefenseco.com/instructor_listing.asp to find and instructor in your area.
We know everybody can’t dedicate the time to a full martial arts program but every one does have the time and responsibility to learn how to identify hazardous and situations and escape from danger (and you don’t need a Black Belt to do this).
In the 10 Lesson Self Defense Course you won’t learn a handful of techniques like most seminars and courses teach you and send you on your way only to be forgotten over the next few days. The 10 Lesson Self Defense Course will teach you a systemized protocol beginning with non-lethal technologies like pepper spray and personal alarms and ending with combat proven World War II and Battlefield Jujutsu hand to hand techniques designed to give you maximum fire power, keep you mobile and aware and create avenues of escape a violent, determined assailant. The course is taught in a semi private format (10 students at a time). This will guarantee that you will get proper hands on training and attention that will make the most out of your training.
For more information just go to http://www.theselfdefenseco.com/instructor_listing.asp and request your free information kit.
More Martial Arts and Self Defense Articles
Monday, November 19, 2007
One of the Biggest Mistakes All Martial Artists Make
Damian Ross
The Self Defense Company
How many times do you practice techniques with your training partner and you stay in the same spot? Next time you are training, pay attention to how much you and your partner move. You’ll find you move very little or not at all. You see, when you are training, or doing ANYTHING for that matter, you always try to seek the path of least resistance. This is natural and can be viewed as a good thing (more on that later). Since you concentrate on the repetitions and the minutia of the technique, how hard you’re hitting, what you look like, you’re forgetting the big picture. And it’s easier to stand in the same spot. It saves time and energy. But I am constantly reminding my guys (and girls) to MOVE FORWARD!
If you don’t, you are neglecting a fundamental truth in the world of combat. I don’t care if your boxing, wrestling, playing football or engaging in combat- one thing is ALWAYS TRUE. Those who are winning are ALWAYS TAKING GROUND. Every time I look at a techniques demonstrated it is always two guys standing there with one guy doing the move and the other just guy standing there. This is good for demonstrations sake, but when you drill it you do it with movement. One of the mistakes I see Judo Players, Karate Practitioners and Wrestlers make is that they practice technique without any movement. Do you actually fight like that- NO. When you fight, you are constantly moving and adjusting. When you fight for real you are always moving forward. If you are moving backwards- you are loosing. But don’t worry, it will be over soon.
In the Self Defense series explains and demonstrates how to take ground in this simple explanation- Always be where your enemy is standing. You’re constantly moving forward and taking ground once you have started your assault. Think about any boxing match. Not when people are stalking and feeling each other out. I’m talking about when a guy gets a good shot and the blood is in the water and he just starts throwing bombs and running the guy over. If the ropes weren’t there, his opponent would be in the cheap seats!
Take the Greek Phalanx for example. The majority of the casualties didn’t happen when both sides were pressing against each other. It was only when one side broke and retreated that most of the deaths occurred. Even in modern combat- during the first contact, it is uncommon to incur a lot of casualties. Its only when the enemy tries to break contact and retreat, that most of the casualties occur.
When you train you must program yourself to take ground. When you’re practicing make sure your foot work is stomping and deliberate. This accomplishes 2 things.
1. It will allow you to compensate for a wide variety of terrain and
2. You will be delivering stomps and scrapes to your enemy’s shins and feet.
Simply start at one end of your training space and work across the floor- always take ground. If your partner doesn’t move… MOVE HIM! Deliver a smash with your shoulder (Check out the Self Defense Seires) and just keep driving. Like Carl talks about through out the series- you take bits and pieces until you start taking off larger chunks.
This happens rapidly and violently. You keep taking ground overwhelm and overrun your enemy. Remember- Keep moving forward. Like my college football coach said, “If you’re gonna go, go. If you’re not gonna go, don’t go!”
Read more martial arts articles at The Self Defense Company.
The Self Defense Company
How many times do you practice techniques with your training partner and you stay in the same spot? Next time you are training, pay attention to how much you and your partner move. You’ll find you move very little or not at all. You see, when you are training, or doing ANYTHING for that matter, you always try to seek the path of least resistance. This is natural and can be viewed as a good thing (more on that later). Since you concentrate on the repetitions and the minutia of the technique, how hard you’re hitting, what you look like, you’re forgetting the big picture. And it’s easier to stand in the same spot. It saves time and energy. But I am constantly reminding my guys (and girls) to MOVE FORWARD!
If you don’t, you are neglecting a fundamental truth in the world of combat. I don’t care if your boxing, wrestling, playing football or engaging in combat- one thing is ALWAYS TRUE. Those who are winning are ALWAYS TAKING GROUND. Every time I look at a techniques demonstrated it is always two guys standing there with one guy doing the move and the other just guy standing there. This is good for demonstrations sake, but when you drill it you do it with movement. One of the mistakes I see Judo Players, Karate Practitioners and Wrestlers make is that they practice technique without any movement. Do you actually fight like that- NO. When you fight, you are constantly moving and adjusting. When you fight for real you are always moving forward. If you are moving backwards- you are loosing. But don’t worry, it will be over soon.
In the Self Defense series explains and demonstrates how to take ground in this simple explanation- Always be where your enemy is standing. You’re constantly moving forward and taking ground once you have started your assault. Think about any boxing match. Not when people are stalking and feeling each other out. I’m talking about when a guy gets a good shot and the blood is in the water and he just starts throwing bombs and running the guy over. If the ropes weren’t there, his opponent would be in the cheap seats!
Take the Greek Phalanx for example. The majority of the casualties didn’t happen when both sides were pressing against each other. It was only when one side broke and retreated that most of the deaths occurred. Even in modern combat- during the first contact, it is uncommon to incur a lot of casualties. Its only when the enemy tries to break contact and retreat, that most of the casualties occur.
When you train you must program yourself to take ground. When you’re practicing make sure your foot work is stomping and deliberate. This accomplishes 2 things.
1. It will allow you to compensate for a wide variety of terrain and
2. You will be delivering stomps and scrapes to your enemy’s shins and feet.
Simply start at one end of your training space and work across the floor- always take ground. If your partner doesn’t move… MOVE HIM! Deliver a smash with your shoulder (Check out the Self Defense Seires) and just keep driving. Like Carl talks about through out the series- you take bits and pieces until you start taking off larger chunks.
This happens rapidly and violently. You keep taking ground overwhelm and overrun your enemy. Remember- Keep moving forward. Like my college football coach said, “If you’re gonna go, go. If you’re not gonna go, don’t go!”
Read more martial arts articles at The Self Defense Company.
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